Pat Hanly’s ‘Golden Age’ brings a golden day for Art + Object.

By Briar Williams in Auckland, on 27-Nov-2013

A small but perfectly formed group of works for sale, a stunning catalogue with each work sumptuously photographed, a well presented viewing and reasonably estimated, quality artworks – what could go wrong for the final fine art sale of the year for Art + Object?

Not much really, apart from some very slow audience participation which seemed to keep some of the prices close to reserve and failing to reach their full potential.

 

The Art + Object sale in Auckland on 26 November grossed $1,443,000 (IBP) and cleared 60% by lot, with buyer 222 taking many of the choice lots, including the most desirable work in the auction, Pat Hanly’s Golden Age. Estimated at $120,000 - $160,000 the work had a steady start at $80,000 and slowly climbed upwards until the final sale price landed at $196,000 (hammer) setting a new record for Pat Hanly at auction.

This well chosen sale of only 69 lots had some fabulous pictures, rarely seen on the market and unlikely to be seen anytime soon. In the early lots, the group of works by Ted Bullmore (with wonderful family and exhibition provenance) had a mixed response with only the final piece Astroform No.1 B (Lot 14 ) sailing through it’s $18,000- $26,000 estimate to reach $31,000 (hammer).

A suite of four Colin McCahons’ from various vendors were lotted consecutively at lots 38-40. All dating from different periods each one was a textbook example of his work. However it was Truth from the King Country: Load Bearing Structures (Series 2) (Lot 38 ) which really encouraged the bidders. After a very slow start four bidders battled it out to $77,000 (hammer) against a reserve of $55,000. The lucky buyer was number 222, who proceeded to bid and successfully purchase most of the remaining highest priced artworks in the sale.

He also secured the most desirable work in the auction, Pat Hanly’s Golden Age (Lot 46 ). Estimated at $120,000-$160,000 the work had a steady start at $80,000 with a couple of phone and room bidders and slowly climbed upwards. When bidders faltered, new bidders entered at $167,500 and $185,000 until the final sale price landed at $196,000 (hammer) setting a new record for Pat Hanly at auction and buyer number 222 added a very important painting to their collection.

Unfortunately this buyer wasn’t interested in the other feature lot of the sale, Ralph Hotere The Wind (Lot 43 ) which was passed in at $190,000 against a low estimate of $240,000.

The rest of the sale ticked along nicely with some good results. The auctioneer started many lots well under estimate and this combined with the slow bidding made it feel as if the works should have sold for a lot more when they got to low estimate or just under. Perhaps it’s just a reflection of the market at this time of year but overall 2013 has finished on a very positive note for Art + Object.

The sale made $1,443,000 (IBP) and cleared 60% by lot.

(All prices are expressed in New Zealand dollars.)

Sale Referenced:

About The Author

Briar Williams is an Art Valuer and Auctioneer who has worked in the primary and secondary markets of New Zealand and Australia for over 15 years. In Melbourne she managed a commercial gallery and was a valuer at Leonard Joel Auctioneers & Valuers before becoming Head of Art there in 2009. Most recently, she was the manager of the art department at Mossgreen-Webb's in Auckland and currently works as an art writer and consultant.

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